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21st March 2017 • Volume 24, Issue 09 • Leader House, North Street, Swords, Co. Dublin. K67 P5W4. • Tel: 01 8•400•200 • info@northcountyleader.ie • www.northcountyleader.ie
Community Prays For Local Hero People from all over the North County have been left stunned by the tragic loss of the Rescue 116 Coast Guard helicopter last week off the coast of Co. Mayo, where local man, Ciaran Smith is among those missing at sea.
Special report by Patrick Finnegan and Leslie Murphy The tragedy has claimed the life of pilot, Captain Dara Fitzpatrick, who died shortly after being found. The three other crewmen are missing, including winchman, Ciarán Smith (38), from Oldtown, a father-of-three. Ciaran lives in Oldtown with his wife, Martina and their three young daughters and is a sports fanatic; being actively involved in his local GAA club, Wild Geese. The funeral of Captain Dara Fitzpatrick was held last Saturday amid emotional scenes, where her colleague, Cathal Oakes said it was apt that the last aircraft she flew was called ‘Queen of the Sky’ Prayers were said for the other three crew members, including Ciaran Smith. Ciaran was a big part of a small community and got involved in lots of local activities and risked his life to assist communities as a member of the Irish Coast Guard. In a show of wonderful community spirit, a group of over 30 volunteers responded to a facebook appeal from the local GAA Club, Wild Geese, of which Ciaran is a member, to travel to Blacksod in Co Mayo to assist local gardai by walking the shoreline in an effort to find vital clues as to what caused this tragedy. It is also reported that many people from all over the North County are travelling to Mayo on an ad hoc basis to add their contribution to the search effort. With calmer weather expected later in the week, and the presence of the Irish Lights Vessel Granuaile, with very sophisticated features and equipment, there are renewed hope that vital clues will be discovered. A Candle light vigil for Ciaran and the rest of rescue 116 crew members took place on Saturday night at Oldtown Church.
Oldtown man and Coast Guard winchman, Ciaran Smith
A close friend of Ciaran’s, who did not wish to be identified, in respect to Ciaran’s family at a very difficult time, spoke glowingly of his friend when he told the County Leader, “Ciaran is an absolute gentleman and I know him very well. He was originally from Kinsealy, but when he settled down here in Oldtown after marrying Martina, he become totally involved in the local community here.” The brave rescue worker was a keen cyclist and he completed a 2,000km Race Around Ireland event for charity in 2015, coming in sixth place.
He undertook the gruelling seven-day challenge for charity, raising €10,000. “His father-in-law Aidan Brennan, his wife Martina and his brother were also involved and travelled all around Ireland supporting him. This was an endurance race, with practically no rest. Undertaking an event like this just typifies Ciaran; always giving to those in need, always with a smile and a joke, his friend said. Most of the locals in Oldtown know Ciaran well and they revealed that he is a dedicated family man and he and his family are in their thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. They all concur with his friend that he is a real gent and a wonderful family man “It is just absolutely shocking. I know Ciaran’s family is still holding out for the small hope he is going to be found alive. Local Fianna Fáil TD, Darragh O’Brien has expressed his sympathies with the families, friends and colleagues of the Rescue 116 Coast Guard helicopter crew. “My thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends and colleagues of Captain Dara Fitzpatrick and of the three other missing crew members of the Dublin Coast Guard, who are anxiously awaiting news of their loved ones. “Local crew member, Ciarán Smith from Oldtown has worked to serve and protect our community for over 15 years. It is difficult to imagine the pain that Ciarán’s wife Martina and their three young children are experiencing at this time,” he said. “The men and women of the Irish Coast Guard and in all our emergency services, put their lives on the line for us 24/7, 364 days of the year. Living by the coast we see the coast guard on a regular basis carrying out exercises and emergency call outs. We almost take it for granted.” “I would also like to pay tribute to the entire Coast Guard crew, many of whom have been taking part in the massive search for their colleagues, which is another testament to their strength and professionalism. This tragedy is a sad reminder of the risks the
Major Jobs Boost For Swords
Pictured at the launch of eShopWorld are local TD Alan Farrell (FG), company CEO, Tommy Kelly, Minister Richard Bruton and Senator Dr James Reilly (FG)
eShopWorld, Ireland’s fastest growing technology company, has announced it will create up to 250 new high-end jobs over the next three years. The announcement coincides with the official opening of its global headquarters at Airside Business Park in Swords. Minister for Education & Skills, Richard Bruton TD officially opened eShopWorld’s new Global Headquarters on Monday last, 20th March. This jobs announcement is part of a ¤25m investment that eShopWorld will make in people, software development and R&D over the coming three years, as it continues to grow and expand. It will bring total employment at
eShopWorld to almost 400 staff by 2019, inclusive of 80 new jobs created in 2016. eShopWorld is a global eCommerce and logistics management company that works with retailers to give the shopper a localised shopping experience. Company founder and CEO, Ballyboughal man, Tommy Kelly provided a business and employment update on Ireland’s fastest growing tech company was winner of the Deloitte Fast 50 Award, for the past two years. In 2016, eShopWorld quadrupled its revenues to over ¤200m, adding over 60 new staff. He said that the demand for global eCommerce solutions has really taken off and it is a very exciting journey to be on.
emergency services face every day to keep us safe,” concluded O’Brien. Local senator, Dr James Reilly also expressed sympathy to the family of Captain Dara Fitzpatrick who tragically lost her life this week while working in a job she loved. Senator Reilly said last week’s tragic incident off the west coast had left all across North County Dublin deeply saddened. “Dara Fitzpatrick died doing a job she loved. She was a true hero. During her role as a Coast Guard worker, she put her own safety at risk in treacherous conditions and saved lives across the country. Her colleagues have told of the exemplary role she set and lived up to. “Most of all, she was a loving mother, sister and daughter. She represents the best of Irish life and is someone that will always be held in the highest esteem,” Senator Reilly said. “My thoughts are with the family of Ciaran Smith from Oldtown and the extended community in Oldtown as they come to grips with this tragedy and wait for news from the ongoing search mission.” “The families of Mark Duffy and Paul Ormsby are also in my thoughts, as are their colleagues and friends in the rescue services in the Irish Coast Guard, the local RNLI services at Skerries, Howth and Swords and all other stations. We are all the better for their brave work across the country.” “Rescue 116 was a regular reassuring sight in the North County. It’s extremely sad that this wonderful crew appear to have to lost their lives in such a tragic incident doing what they loved - helping others selflessly and ultimately, tragically in this case. “Their courage must be saluted and admired in a society that sometimes is obsessed with everything monetary.” “We cannot put a price on the service these individuals gave to their community and the ultimate sacrifice they have made serving their country,” he concluded.